Can someone who knows how to read blood test results make sense of this for me. My dr wants me to go to a rheumatologist but im not sure if it's necessary. I went to one a couple years ago and they didnt seem concerned and sent me on my way.
My ANA has been really high for a couple years. I do have some symptoms like joint pain, tiredness and and dry eyes and am thirsty a lot. But i am also 55 and have gone through menopause. I went to a rheumatologist a couple years ago after having similar results, they sent me for more tests which didnt show much and didn't seem concerned because I don't really have a lot of pain in my fingers or any swelling. They sent me on my way.
I have a new doctor and had these tests done again and she wants me to go to a rheumatologist. I didnt go in September when the tests were done, but now just got a dexa scan which showed osteopenia and her office called me saying she wants me to see a rheumatologist. I have made an appointment.
When I look online to see what is a normal MCV (on the 3rd page ), it says a normal adult reference range is 80 -100. But my number is 23 which says it is very low, very concerning and rare.
The rheumatoid factor number is 7*(H) - what do the * and H mean? When I look on line, it says "less than 15-20 U/ml means you dont have RA or Sjogren. So why is mine flagged at a 7? I also dont see anything about U/ml.
So is this blood test using a different method of numbers or something or do I have really something concerning going on?
I've also been listening to a nutritionist, p h.D guy, who is basically against the medical establishment saying that the medical establishment overdiagnoses people to sell them drugs and bla blah, autoimmune issues originate in your gut from not having enough stomach acid and getting that corrected will correct the autoimmune issues.
Anyway can someone explain why my numbers are so out of range or give me some kind of perspective?